University of Malaya

University of Malaya - UM Letters

Malaya University Faculty of Laws Building

Tan Teck Guan Building, Aug 07

Fakulti Bahasa & Linguistik UM 2021 mural

University of Malaya Library Building

Evolution of the University of Malaya

University of Malaya (UM) is a public research university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is the oldest and most prestigious university in Malaysia. The university's roots can be traced back to 1905, but it was officially established in 1949 through a merger of King Edward VII College of Medicine and Raffles College in Singapore. Following the separation of Singapore from Malaysia in 1962, the university was split into two entities: University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur and the University of Singapore in Singapore.

History

The history of the University of Malaya dates back to the early 20th century, with the establishment of King Edward VII College of Medicine in 1905 and Raffles College in 1929. These two institutions were the cornerstone for higher education in Malaysia and Singapore. In 1949, they merged to form the University of Malaya, initially located in Singapore. However, due to the political developments and the need for a higher education institution in the Federation of Malaya, the university was relocated to Kuala Lumpur in 1959.

Campus

The main campus of the University of Malaya is situated on a 922-acre site in the southwest of Kuala Lumpur. It is a self-contained community with a range of facilities for students and staff, including residential colleges, academic buildings, libraries, sports facilities, and a health center. The campus combines colonial architecture with modern buildings, providing a rich environment for study and research.

Academic Profile

The University of Malaya offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across its faculties and academic centers. These include the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Engineering, and Faculty of Business and Economics, among others. UM is renowned for its research output and has been ranked among the top universities in Asia and the world.

Research

UM is a leading research university in Malaysia, with numerous research centers and institutes focusing on various fields such as life sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. The university is committed to innovation and has contributed significantly to scientific and technological advancements in Malaysia and globally.

Student Life

The University of Malaya provides a vibrant student life with various clubs, societies, and sports teams. Students can engage in cultural, recreational, and leadership activities, enhancing their university experience beyond academics. The residential colleges offer accommodation, fostering a close-knit community among students from diverse backgrounds.

Notable Alumni

The University of Malaya has produced many distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including government, business, arts, and sciences. Notable alumni include two Prime Ministers of Malaysia, several cabinet ministers, and leading figures in academia and industry.

Affiliations

UM is a member of several international university networks and associations, such as the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL), reflecting its commitment to global education and research collaboration.